Technology transitions have always brought new challenges for security strategies. Right now, two deeply intertwined technologies are reshaping the landscape in tandem: AI and quantum computing.

The 2026 Thales Data Threat Report: Quantum & AI Trends takes a closer look at the security implications of both technologies. Drawing on insights from more than 3,100 respondents across 20 countries, the report examines emerging risks, mitigation measures, and how organizations are preparing for what comes next.

Key findings include:

• AI and quantum are increasingly interconnected: 98% are considering their impact on each other.
• Quantum could enhance AI: 57% expect quantum computing to improve machine learning, while 54% anticipate more advanced simulations of complex systems.
• AI is driving security investment: 30% report a significant increase in AI security budgets, while 25% rank AI security as their second-highest spending category after cloud. Meanwhile, 52% cite competitive advantage as the top driver of interest in quantum computing.
• Organizations are preparing for quantum threats: 59% see evaluating post-quantum cryptography (PQC) as the top path to quantum readiness, while 32% have identified projects or begun experimenting.
• “Harvest now, decrypt later” is the top concern: 61% cite HNDL as their leading quantum security risk.